Following violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, 19 individuals have been arrested. Demonstrations against the Waive (Amendment) Act turned violent on Tuesday. Thousands gathered in the Jangipur region, demanding the repeal of this controversial law. However, the protest quickly escalated, prompting the police to resort to baton charging and tear gas.
During these events, several police vehicles were vandalized and set ablaze.
'We Support Peaceful Movements...'
West Bengal Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury stated, "In the era of the Left government, protestors did not face such harassment. Today, the question arises, why now? However, it is also important to understand that violence or conflict does not solve problems in any movement."
He further emphasized that raising issues through peaceful and democratic means is the most appropriate way. We all advocate for peaceful movements as they are the most effective and civilized method to protect our rights.
Read More: Rally Against Waive Law, A Rumor, and Violence... How the Situation Escalated in Murshidabad, Bengal
'Can Anyone Say This?'
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh remarked, "This is to intimidate people. They could not scare us during Ram Navami, so they are protesting against the Waive Bill. After the CAA was passed, we witnessed three days of violence with disruptions to railway tracks and buses. The same happened when a female BJP leader from Delhi made a statement. How many arrests were made? How does the state allow this to happen? Can anyone say they won't accept a law passed by Parliament?
How Did the Violence Start?
According to police sources, the rally against the Waive Bill was organized by multiple groups at the PWD Ground, Jangipur. People from various parts of Murshidabad were gathering here. Meanwhile, Ram Navami processions were also taking place, leaving police forces divided and relatively few deployed at the PWD Ground.
At this time, some protestors reached near the national highway and blocked the road. When the police attempted to disperse the demonstrators, a person fell. Rumors quickly spread that the individual was either severely injured or had died. This rumor further inflamed the crowd. In no time, stone-pelting on the police began, and the mob set two police vehicles on fire. Several other vehicles parked roadside also faced damage.
